On the occasion of the Pauline Year that will open on 28 June
2008, the
eve of the Solemnity of Sts Peter and Paul, Pope Benedict XVI has
granted special Indulgences to the faithful as explained in the Decree
Urbis et Orbis, issued by the Apostolic Penitentiary and dated 10
May. The following is a translation of the Decree, which was published
in Latin and in Italian.

In the imminence of the liturgical Solemnity of the Princes of the
Apostles, motivated by pastoral solicitude the Supreme Pontiff intends
to provide promptly for spiritual treasures to be granted to the
faithful for their sanctification, so that on this pious and happy
occasion, from First Vespers of the Solemnity mentioned, they may renew
and reinforce with even greater fervour intentions of supernatural
salvation, principally in honour of the Apostle to the Gentiles, the
2000th anniversary of whose birth on earth is now approaching.

The gift of Indulgences which the Roman Pontiff offers to the
universal Church, truly smoothes the way to attaining a supreme degree
of inner purification which, while honouring the Blessed Apostle Paul,
exalts the supernatural life in the hearts of the faithful and gently
encourages them to do good deeds.

Therefore, this Apostolic Penitentiary, to which the Holy Father has
entrusted the task of the preparation and compilation of the Decree on
the granting and obtaining of Indulgences that will be valid for the
duration of the Pauline Year, benevolently bestows with this Decree
issued in conformity with the desire of the August Pontiff, the
following graces listed:

I. Each and every truly repentant individual member of the Christian
faithful, duly absolved through the Sacrament of Reconciliation and
restored with Holy Communion, who devoutly makes a pilgrimage to the
Papal Basilica of St. Paul on the Ostian Way and who prays for the
Supreme Pontiff's intentions, will be granted the Plenary Indulgence
from temporal punishment for his/her sins, once sacramental forgiveness
and pardon for any shortcomings has been obtained.

The Christian faithful may benefit from the Plenary Indulgence both
for themselves and for the deceased, as many times as they fulfil the
required conditions but without prejudice to the norm stipulating that
the Plenary Indulgence may be obtained only once a day.

In order that the prayer raised on this holy visit may lead and
invite the souls of the faithful to venerate more intensely the memory
of St. Paul, the following has been established: the faithful, in
addition to raising their own supplications before the altar of the Most
Blessed Sacrament, each one according to his own devotion, must go to
the altar of the Confessio and devoutly recite the Our Father and
the Creed, adding pious invocations in honour of the Blessed
Virgin Mary and St. Paul. And may this devotion always be closely united
to the memory of the Prince of the Apostles, St. Peter.

II. The Christian faithful of the various local Churches, having
fulfilled the required conditions (sacramental Confession, Eucharistic
Communion, prayers for the Supreme Pontiff's intentions) and in a spirit
of total detachment from any inclination to sin, may benefit from the
Plenary Indulgence if they take part devoutly in a sacred function or in
a pious public exercise in honour of the Apostle to the Gentiles; on the
days of the solemn opening and closure of the Pauline Year, in all the
sacred places; on other days specified by the local Ordinary, in holy
places dedicated to St. Paul and, for the convenience of the faithful,
in other places designated by the same Ordinary.

III. Lastly, the faithful prevented by illness or another legitimate
and important cause, always in a spirit of detachment from any
inclination to sin, with the intention of fulfilling the usual
conditions as soon as possible, will also be able to obtain the
Plenary Indulgence, as long as they spiritually join in a Jubilee
celebration in honour of St. Paul, offering their prayers and sufferings
to God for Christian unity.

In order that the faithful may more easily share in these heavenly
favours, may the priests approved by the competent ecclesiastical
authority for hearing confessions prepare promptly and generously to
receive them.

This Decree is effective for the whole of the Pauline Year.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary.

Given in Rome, at the Offices of the Apostolic Penitentiary, 10 May,
in the Year of the Incarnation of the Lord 2008, on the eve of
Pentecost.

Cardinal James Francis StaffordMajor Penitentiary

Fr Gianfranco Girottl, O.F.M. Conv.Titular Bishop of Meta
Regent

Taken from:
L'Osservatore Romano
Weekly Edition in English
28 May 2008, page 2

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